The group was founded by Varun Chanrai and Ashwin Grover in 2016 and has continue to grow across England.

Starting out with two nurseries in Kent they have built a nationwide presence and were subsequently joined in 2022 by Sarah Mackenzie as chief executive. The group now have 29 registered settings across England which they operate as 26 nurseries, including their latest addition, Alexandra Park Community Learning Centre in Manchester, which joins the group this week.

Storal also operate two registered after school clubs. At the heart of Storal’s culture is the belief that every child, family and team member has a different story to tell, and the nurseries offer children a journey of learning and discovery, where curiosity and creativity meet and childhood is cherished.

The group has developed a new curriculum that is rolled out across its nurseries and is designed to support and extend children’s understanding, skills and self-confidence, and foster a love of learning.

New investors, Graphite Capital have a strong track record in the education sector, including their previous investment in Education Personnel, a provider of supply teachers, and their current investments in Empowering Learning, a diversified education services provider; Explore Learning, the UK’s leading tuition provider for children aged between five and 16; and Higher Ed International, a global online programme manager for universities.

OakNorth, the neobank for entrepreneurs, partnered Graphite Capital, to provide capital to Storal.

Chief executive, Sarah Mackenzie, speaks with drive and commitment for Storal’s future:

“Last year we started a new chapter in our own story, with the launch of our new brand, our first new openings after six years of acquisitive growth and the development of our education team and
curriculum.

“We’re excited to be starting another new chapter and welcoming investment from Graphite Capital. The Graphite and Storal team aligned over our shared belief in the potential of both the early years sector and the foundations that we have built at Storal. With Graphite’s support, both financial and through the wealth of experience and insight that they bring, we are more excited than ever to achieve our vision of becoming the nursery group that every family and educator wants to be part of.

“Graphite’s investment will enable us to reach more children, families and team members and continue to invest in our offering. With this in mind we are delighted to be welcoming not just Graphite but also a very special nursery, Alexandra Park Community Learning Centre, in South Manchester.

“Alexandra Park nursery has built up an incredibly strong reputation for their Reggio Emilia inspired, democratic and bilingual approach. The nursery, which caters for 123 children, is in high demand and from the outset we could see why.”